The vibes of the grand Indian festival are already in the air. With falling temperatures, Diwali comes with the warmth of lights and love. The warm diyas, the fireworks, the food, and the family gathering are the things we wait for throughout the year. 

With everyone light-hearted, let us give a little gravity by understanding some dangerous effects of Diwali. Better be prepared than sorry. With a little bit of alertness, awareness, and empathy each one of us can protect the earth and ourselves from the adverse effects of the Diwali celebration. 

How Diwali may affect the environment

Air pollution 

Unfortunately, and contrary to earlier times, festivals contribute significantly to air pollution. As a result, there is a rising awareness of the negative impact on humans and the environment.

Playing with fireworks is the tradition of Diwali celebration that has been followed for ages. The bursting of firecrackers adds to the polluted air around. The chemicals in these crackers and the smoke released make the air toxic around. The fireworks generate dense clouds for several hours and decrease visibility. 

Harmful content in fireworks – 

• Traces of heavy metals
• Toxic chemicals such as lead, magnesium, nitrate, black carbon
• Smoke contains charcoal, potassium nitrate, and sulfur 

Noise pollution

We know how loudly the firework explodes. The explosive sounds are loud enough to go through the ear drums. Such loud sounds are known to be a cause of high blood pressure, sleep disturbance, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and cause stress, especially in elderly people. 

Let us not forget that other living creatures exist with us. Some heartless people find enjoyment in using fireworks on dogs and other animals. It is beyond imagination how the act can harm poor creatures. 

Too much waste accumulation 

The next day the street is laden with a sheet of waste. All these are the trash from fireworks. Sometimes the problem becomes very severe. India being the country where child labor exists, is exposed to such harmful chemicals while clearing the wastes. 

Impact of Diwali on the human being 

Chemicals in fireworks are dangerous to human beings. Also, these chemicals can worsen certain pre-existing diseases and develop a new diseases.

• Sodium – causes burns or wounds
• Magnesium – cause fume fever
• Zinc–fume fever and nausea
• Lead – affects the nervous system
• Copper – affect the respiratory system
• Cadmium – affect the oxygen-carrying capacity leading to anemia

Some of the common health problems during Diwali include –

• Breathlessness
• Cough 
• Wheezing
• Runny nose
• Irritation in eyes
• Allergy
• Itchy skin 

Impact on health

The dangerous chemicals that dissolve in the air in form of particulate matter when inhaled cause breathing problems or abnormal lung sounds. It can be unbearable to elderly people and those suffering from asthma, sinusitis, or other lung problems. 

Fire Accidents

Every Diwali we come across the news of damage in the market or residence that also causes injury to human beings. 

Binge eating

Eating sweets and fatty foods are pursued with digestive health problems resulting in bloating, acidity, nausea, sluggishness, constipation, etc.

A thought!!

The word Diwali comes from Deepavali, meaning the festival of lights. Celebration means an enjoyable activity. Give it a moment of thought, can you celebrate the day by knowing the consequences? Yes, you can. 

There is no need to compromise the celebration but with a little caution, one can bring a lot of difference.

Steps to celebrate Diwali safely

Having said all about the harmful impact of Diwali on human beings and the environment, let us educate ourselves with the ways to celebrate a happy and safe Diwali.

Let the elderly, babies, and pregnant women stay indoor

The firework noise and the air pollution affect the health of a pregnant woman and her child. It can cause or worsen pre-existing health problems in the elderly.

Avoid bursting crackers 

We have already discussed the dynamic nature of the adverse impact of fireworks on health and the environment. Why not stay away from crackers and burst out with laughter and long talks with our family and friends. 

Do not use sanitizers before doing any light work

Sanitizers contain alcohol and lighting diyas or bursting crackers after applying sanitizers can cause serious fire hazards. 

Avoid wearing clothes susceptible to fire

Prefer wearing cotton silk, cotton, and jute fabric clothes. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes and fabrics such as satin, georgette, silk, and chiffon. 

Refrain from eating too many sweets and oily foods

Avoid eating outside foods and prefer home-cooked meals. Overindulgence in sweets and oily foods during festivals can shoot the blood sugar level and affect blood pressure. It can also worsen pre-existing health conditions.

Dispose the wastes safely

Half-burnt crackers can be dangerous. So, put the fireworks waste in a bucket of water before throwing them. No one wants to end Diwali day in emergency rooms. 

Keep your pets safe

The noise of fireworks can be traumatic to pets. Hence, keep the pets protected from loud noise. 

Plan a healthy menu for Diwali dinner

A lot of oily and sweet foods can have a short and long-term impact on health. Planning a healthy meal can prevent or reduce the chances of health problems especially those related to the digestive system. Avoid eating outside foods and sweets

Place the candles and diyas in proper place

Make sure the candles are placed on holder and are away from curtains. Prefer LED lights over diyas to keep the house and yourself safe from catching fire. 

Be prepared for any fire accident

Keep yourself prepared for unseen situation. A bucket of water or a sand or anything that can help extinguish the fire in case of accident can help 

Conclusion

The joy of celebrating festivals with family is eternal. With a tinge of empathy let us spread happiness to our loved ones and mother nature. 

Celebrate Diwali with self-care & empathy!!